This paper introduces key notions to public services in Belgium and Europe such as: collective interest, public interest and general interest, analysed in a historical and evolutionary perspective, and ... [more ▼]

This paper introduces key notions to public services in Belgium and Europe such as: collective interest, public interest and general interest, analysed in a historical and evolutionary perspective, and then presented and discussed in their present understanding. Particular emphasis is put on the French notions issued from the French law given their contribution in shaping European law which is regulating today an important part of the organisation of public services. Missions attributed to public services are then classified following a Matriochka model, on the basis on their scope/proximity to the general interest: missions of general interest, missions of public service, missions of universal service and, finally, missions of minimum service. The seven basic principles framing public services are also presented. The second part of the paper deals with the notion of public service under the European Union’s perspective. Here the concept of services of general interest (SGI) is introduced and shaded with other deriving notions such as: services of general economic interest (SGEI) and social services general interest (SSGI). Principles and values at the basis of the European notions are finally presented and analysed through a review of legislation. [less ▲]

This paper presents various possible ways of organizing public services, focusing on economic services entrusted with a public service mission. Sections 2 and 3 give a general overview of the public ... [more ▼]

This paper presents various possible ways of organizing public services, focusing on economic services entrusted with a public service mission. Sections 2 and 3 give a general overview of the public sector in Belgium and public enterprises in particular. It shows that the management contract has become the main instrument for ‘managing’ a public service mission in Belgium and for supervising its organisation. The federal legislation, which served as a model for public service contracts for the other levels of government, is explained in particular in Section 4. Various illustrations of companies – presented in the appendix to this paper – make it possible to detail certain missions entrusted by contract Management and by delegation of public service mission at various institutional levels in Belgium. Finally, Section 6 recalls the importance of investments in order to ensure quality public services. [less ▲]

Teachers are a ‘homogeneous’ socioprofessional category, which is organised and open to involvement and the promotion of a shared interest. They are an essential component of civil society on the edge or ... [more ▼]

Teachers are a ‘homogeneous’ socioprofessional category, which is organised and open to involvement and the promotion of a shared interest. They are an essential component of civil society on the edge or at the heart of the public sector. Whether or not they are integrated into the public sector, they share values: promotion of individuals, the emancipation and elevation of individuals, and social well-being. All of these elements are aspects which make teachers naturally open to mutual solidarity. They can fully assess the advantage of the mutual organisation as a complementary element to government social action or as a substitute for failing public authorities. They can ‘incarnate’ solidarity and reconstruct social links [less ▲]